A Taylor Wimpey housing development in Telford where building work has ceased as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus: PA

Taylor Wimpey on Wednesday became the first housebuilder to launch a financial package to help self-employed construction workers see through the Covid-19 crisis while they wait for Government help.

The builder has set aside £5 million for its “pay it forward scheme”. Funds will be handed in advance to subcontractors with whom Taylor Wimpey has long-term relationships for jobs to be done when sites re-open after the lockdown.

Those businesses will use the money to pay self-employed workers such as roof tilers, joiners and bricklayers. Individuals will receive a payment of up to £600 each month for three months to be recovered against future work.

Taylor Wimpey’s move is aimed at helping many people who “will experience significant hardship” before the Government’s self-employment income support scheme starts to make payments from June.

Pete Redfern, chief executive of Taylor Wimpey, told the Evening Standard: “Our primary focus is on making sure people who work on our sites are able to get through the next three months without undue hardship.”

He added: “Our subcontractors are very important to us. How we support them through this shows that they matter.”

His firm estimates the plan will bridge the gap for about 2750 people between now and when the assistance schemes come into effect